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Total 5

The Total 5 group derived from the Oberlin High School Choir (currently TVJ's All Together Sing Choir champions) in the year 2004, under the tutelage of Kolya Robinson. The group was first called the Paragon Boys and later changed its name to Total 5. Since 2004 to present, Total 5 has performed at the JCDC Festival where it earned a gold medal, also the TVJ's All Together Sing choir competition in which all five members were lead singers who aided the choir to victory in the years 2005, 2006 and 2010.

They also made appearances at the Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival 2008 and 2009 and have been involved in numerous charity events throughout the years. Most recently, they performed at the Culturama Festival held in Florida after being spotted by its promoter at a gospel concert where he decided he wanted a fusion between the Oberlin High School Choir and the group of five. As a result of an amazingly stellar performance, the group has now been booked for an American Tour next summer in 10 different cities.

The group is currently working with the Bank of Nova Scotia as ambassadors of Jamaica on a project dubbed, 'The Scotiabank Bright Future'. For this project, they recorded a single titled Welcome to Jamaica (by Jermaine Blake), completed with a video shoot soon to be released in every country where you find Scotiabank.

Their influences span Motown group The Temptations to Lady Smith Black Mambazo of South Africa. Their aim is to become legends one day known for their charisma, humility, and soul in their music. Their only desire is to bring unity and hope to both young and old minds in every society at present, despite the differences that exist. This concept is evident as each member belongs to a different denomination, yet they are able to work together as one.

The Total 5 members are Jermaine Blake (22), Jerome Blake (18), Matthew Blake (14), Jermaine Campbell (21) and Owayne McKaulsky (18).

Stonedub

StoneDub is a Jamaican three-piece band that plays a fusion of reggae, rock, and other musical styles that they call 'DubRock'. The band was spawned out of years of experimentation by its singer/guitarist Jason Lee Worton, a multi-instrumentalist who has supported numerous Jamaica artistes such as Protoje, Jah9, Crimson Heart Replica, Uprising Roots Band and Lorna Bennett to name a few. StoneDub has gained a small but enthusiastic following based on their live performances that blend smooth melodic textures with edgy rhythmic energy, centred around Worton's lyrics and guitar prowess.

Noddy virtue

Noddy Virtue, a consummate performer, accepted music as the most passionate and encompassing activity in his life. Born in the Bread Basket parish of St Elizabeth, as a community tradition made farming his first occupation. Noddy's talent as a singer/ entertainer was exposed at an early age as he was always called upon to perform at schools, churches, funerals and community activities, where he earned the name Singing T.

In 2004, he watched the Digicel Rising Star competition with much anxiety, knowing full well that he had the ability to compete creditably if given the opportunity.

Encouraged by his sister, Michelle Virtue, he entered the competition in 2005 and established himself very early as a possible winner. Throughout the competition, he performed some of the most difficult local and internationally accepted songs, finishing in second place.

His debut album (Just Believe) was officially released May 2009 and can be accessed through download Itunes etc, Moses Production and other record stores. Just Believe reflects his dreams, passion and aspirations with the kind of versatility not often experienced with lovers rock, R&B, cultural and inspirational songs. The album is experiencing continued success, with a number of singles gracing the international charts such as Sang To Me, Love Jah, Bed of Roses, and You've Lost That Loving Feeling.

Noddy's second Album, Addiction, will be released February 2012. This album consists of 17 cover songs ranging from Kris Kristoferson's Loving Her Was Easier, Peter Tosh's Glass House, Bryan Adam's When You Love Someone, Bob Marley's Concrete Jungle, Jimmy Cliff's Trapped to Lucky Dube's Reggae Strong.

His third album, which will consist of 15 originals, is currently being recorded at Grafton and Tuff Gong studios and is expected to be released Summer 2013.

RUTH ROYES

Ruth Royes is a singer songwriter born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. She realised her interest in music from an early age when she endeavoured to learn to play the violin at age nine under the guidance of Moyah Gibson. At age 17, after being encouraged to sing by her sister, she joined the Youth Music Ministry at her church (Swallowfield Chapel) and after a couple months of singing, she decided that this was the path she wanted her life to take. More important, she felt it was what God wanted her to do.

Ruth recently graduated from Humber College in Toronto, Canada, where she has completed a certificate programme in commercial jazz music and a degree in contemporary music performance.

She has been influenced by many different genres, her culture and her beliefs, and as a result her music is a fusion of jazz, reggae and gospel. She has been referred to as a singer who has "some snap and crackle" (The Gleaner). Her sound has been likened to that of Norah Jones (The Gleaner) and Colbie Caillat. Ruth recorded an EP at Humber Recording Studios which was digitally released on May 31, 2011. She hopes to record a full album in the near future, and until then will continue performing and writing new songs.

Raging fyah

Raging Fyah is a talented and dynamic young band and one of the bright lights in a long-awaited Jamaican reggae renaissance. The band originally started in 2006 as a trio with Anthony Watson (drummer), Demar Gayle (keyboardist), and Delroy Hamilton (bassist). They were later divinely united with Courtland White (guitarist) Kumar Bent (lead singer) and Mahlon Moving (engineer) as they set out to rekindle a flame of positvity in the music industry.

Their music is influenced by passion, purpose and life experiences, and they write lyrics "to touch the soul of the listener, uplifting and motivating people from all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds". Their catchy, original melodies have been likened to those of legendary artistes such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Third World.

The band also has its own recording label, Raging Fyah Productions, which produced its debut single, Peace Reigns, as well as the H20 rhythm, which has featured several popular reggae and dancehall artistes.

Raging Fyah "is committed to changing the world, note by note, melody by melody, growing when conditions seem most bleak, demolishing obstacles without remorse. We will keep blazing ... like a raging fyah!"